Windspeaker Nov1 2016 vol34 no15

34 No. 15 • November 2016 plus GST /HST Volume where applicable

Inform. Impact. Inspire. Independent. Indigenous.

Standing Rock: ‘We’re not gonna be silent anymore’ Page 4

First Nations try to find the balance with oil and gas growth Page 8

$5.00

What’s hanging up MMIW inquiry commission?

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Alb Swee erta tgras s Insid e !

Pag

Photo: NorQuest College

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Noquest College sends delegation in Romania First Nations dancer and mentor Adrian LaChance (centre) is joining a group of NorQuest College instructors at a conference on correctional education in Bucharest.

Story on page 4.

November I 2016

Page [1]

[ news ]

AFN wants clarification of Wilson-Raybould’s commitment to Indigenous rights

By Shari Narine Windspeaker Contributor

OTTAWA

Bureaucracy is to blame for the hold-up in the delivery of Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s promises, says Assembly of First Nations National Chief Perry Bellegarde. Justice Minister Jody Wilson-Raybould’s shortfalls are not so easily dismissed.

Bellegarde, along with other Indigenous leaders, were pleased when Trudeau announced a Cabinet with Indigenous representation, but the honeymoon is over.

“Putting more (Indigenous) people in decision-making bodies and authorities, the challenge is how do we work with them?

How do we connect with them?

How do we partner with them to make sure that they’re espousing the rights agenda, they’re espousing everything they stood for and worked for all their lives?” said Bellegarde.

The Justice minister recently came under fire when she told an AFN Chiefs’ Assembly that the United Nations Declaration on

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PHOTO: FILE

Vanessa Gray, 24, of Aamjiwnaang First Nation

the Rights of Indigenous Peoples†was “unworkable” under Canadian law.

Bellegarde says he and the rest of the chiefs were stunned.

“Options should not be unilaterally imposed and legislation is an option toward the

adoption of the UN declaration and it should not be unilaterally taken off the table. So we’re going to keep coming back and keep revisiting that,” he said.

Bellegarde says he is unclear on whether the stand taken by Wilson-Raybould is her own or

indicative of the government. He points to Trudeau’s insistence that a renewed relationship between Canadian people and Indigenous peoples is a priority.

Adopting the UN declaration “breathe(s) life into reconciliation,” said Bellegarde. It also serves as a framework for both federal and provincial governments to deliver on Indigenous rights. He is seeking clarification from WilsonRaybould.

As for the slow roll-out of the $8.4 billion allocated in the Liberal’s first budget to improve services for Indigenous peoples, Bellegarde blames the bureaucrats.

“I believe the Prime Minister’s vision is huge and large. I believe the Minister of Indian Affairs’ vision is huge and large, but the bureaucracy is just not being effective or efficient in the rolling out of these resources. That’s where we’ve got to start focusing our attention,” he said.

The AFN will start working with deputy ministers and assistant deputy ministers to make the changes necessary to improve the system, he said.

“The same way of doing business is just not working and that’s the frustration in the communities.”

That doesn’t mean new schools and water treatment plant aren’t being delivered. Indigenous and Northern Affairs Minister Carolyn Bennett was in northern Ontario Oct. 12 doing just that.

Bellegarde said, however, enough resources have not made it to First Nation communities and the first fiscal year is coming to an end.

Not only does Bellegarde want to see more resources hitting the ground, he wants to see more resources included in the next budget.

He said the federal government must ante up the $150 million shortfall the Canadian Human Rights Tribunal says Canada should be delivering to children and family services on reserves.

Saying the inability to meet the CHRT’s ruling is “very clearly the government’s fault.”

Bellegarde said “I think there’s a great opportunity for that issue to finally be addressed in the second budget coming out April 1 (2017).”

November I 2016

[ contents ]

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Directors Elmer Ghostkeeper Rhonda Lizotte Jennie Cardinal

Dorey dropped the ball on Daniels, says new national chief 4 Voting members of the Congress of Aboriginal Peoples (CAP) have ushered in a regime change, with incumbent Dwight Dorey out and Robert Bertrand in as national chief. It was disappointment over the lack of leverage gained after the Daniels’ decision came down earlier this year that led to Dorey’s ouster. CAP delegates at the annual general meeting on Sept. 30 also made the decision to return to the organization’s original name after only seven months as the Indigenous Peoples Assembly of Canada.

Indigenous law inspires artists for the Testify Project 6

7

Ardith Walkem had a vision. After working in law with Indigenous people for nearly 20 years, she realized there was something missing. Within mainstream Canadian law, she noticed there was a distinct lack of consideration for Indigenous law and the contributions it could make to the current legal system.

Standing Rock: ‘We’re not gonna be silent anymore’

7

“I made a vow to protect the land and to protect the water, but most of all, I would protect my children and that’s what I’m doing,” said Wilma Steele of Standing Rock Nation. She has four children ages 9, 5, 3 and 2 years old.

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Departments [ alberta sweetgrass ] 10 - 15

9

[ sports ] 16 & 17 [ education ] 18 [ footprints ] Joseph Medicine Crow 19

19

As a teenager, Joseph Medicine Crow heard eyewitness accounts of the 1876 Battle of the Little Bighorn from his step-grandfather, White Man Runs Him. “He was one of Custer’s favourite scouts,” Herman Viola of the Smithsonian Institute wrote in the preface of “From the Heart of Crow Country”, one of Medicine Crow’s many historical books. White Man Runs Him lived with Joseph in his older years and many non-Indian historians came to listen to his memories of the Little Bighorn.

○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○

Windspeaker is published by the Aboriginal Multi-Media Society (AMMSA) Canada's largest publisher of Aboriginal news and information.

AMMSA's other publications include:

Alberta Sweetgrass — The Aboriginal Newspaper of Alberta Saskatchewan Sage — The Aboriginal Newspaper of Saskatchewan Raven's Eye — The Aboriginal Newspaper of British Columbia Ontario Birchbark — The Aboriginal Newspaper of Ontario

November I 2016

Page [3]

[ news ]

Dorey dropped the ball on Daniels, says new national chief

PHOTO: AAQNAQ.COM

Robert Bertrand, the new national chief for the Congress of Aboriginal Peoples, has spent the past five years as President Grand Chief of the Alliance Autochtone du Quebec Inc.

By Shari Narine Windspeaker Contributor

GATINEAU, Que.

Voting members of the Congress of Aboriginal Peoples (CAP) have ushered in a regime change, with incumbent Dwight Dorey out and Robert Bertrand in as national chief.

It was disappointment over the lack of leverage gained after the Daniels’ decision came down earlier this year that led to Dorey’s ouster. CAP delegates at the annual general meeting on Sept. 30 also made the decision to return to the organization’s original name after only seven

months as the Indigenous Peoples Assembly of Canada.

Bertrand, who leaves the position of President Grand Chief of the CAP affiliate Alliance Autochtone du Quebec Inc., says a major plank in his platform was to build on the Daniels’ decision.

In April, the Supreme Court of Canada ruled that Métis and non-status Indians were a federal responsibility. CAP bills itself as the national voice representing the interests of Métis, status Indians living off-reserve, nonstatus Indigenous people and southern Inuit.

“I think (people) thought that Daniels should have been more

at the forefront …. They were getting a little restless about not engaging with the federal government,” said Bertrand. “I think they sort of thought this was lacking with the last national chief.”

Bertrand believes that having the Daniels decision as a priority should have been a given for CAP, considering CAP leader Harry Daniels launched the legal action in 1999. But since the decision was rendered, Bertrand contends that other organizations have taken over the charge on negotiations and taken the credit.

“There were so many other Métis organizations that were there … basking in the glory, but where were these organizations 17, 18 years ago when the hard work had to be done?” said Bertrand.

“And CAP, we should be carrying the ball on Daniels because it’s our baby.”

Bertrand, who served as a Liberal MP in Quebec from 1993 to 2004, sees that experience as a valuable in dealing with the federal government on this – and other – issues.

Bertrand will be reaching out to the Métis National Council to discuss how to move forward on representing the groups of people named in the Daniels decision.

“If we can come to some understanding of who (the MNC) represent, who we represent, I think it would be in the best interest of the Aboriginal population across Canada,” he said.

In provinces where there are Métis governments, Bertrand says CAP representing nonstatus Indians and Métis governments representing the Métis is a possibility.

CAP, after recently giving the green light to affiliates in Alberta and British Columbia, will have representation in every province.

Bertrand said he will also work to bring CAP’s status to the same

level as MNC, the Assembly of First Nations and the Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami.

“We’re starting maybe back from the rest of the pack, but I think if we do our homework, meet with the people that are on the Hill, meet with the ministers and these people, and get our point across constructively ... I think it’ll take time, but I think CAP will find its rightful place in the Aboriginal movement,” said Bertrand.

And returning to the organization’s original name will only help, he said, because the name is recognized in Ottawa and across the country.

Bertrand said the membership voted against the name change to IPAC because it was a “top down decision” made by Dorey to embrace the term “Indigenous” over “Aboriginal” without consulting with the grassroots.

Kim Beaudin, who ran for national chief against Dorey in 2015, was elected as ViceNational Chief. Beaudin is the president of the Aboriginal Affairs Coalition of Saskatchewan, a CAP affiliate. He has been critical of past national chiefs.

Dorey was elected as national chief after Betty Anne Lavallee stepped down with one year left in her term.

Brad Darch, media liaison with CAP, said election numbers would not be released.

Lachance to join NorQuest delegation in Romania Cree dancer and NorQuest College alumnus Adrian Lachance will join instructors Sheilagh McBride and Krystine Nichols to present at the International Corrections and Prison Association conference in Bucharest, Romania, from Oct. 23-28. Lachance, who will perform a traditional Cree dance, will talk about his journey from foster care, through his own incarceration to his cultural awareness, which has helped him personally and which he uses to help others. Lachance graduated from the academic upgrading program at NorQuest College and has worked as a youth worker, Aboriginal cultural helper, and has traveled internationally with his Yellow Ribbon Dancers. He currently works with Distinctive Employment Counseling Services of Alberta’s transitions program, developed to assist individuals who have been sexually exploited to move into mainstream employment or education. McBride and Nichols are instructors at the college’s correctional campus located at the Edmonton Remand Centre, educating approximately 150 students each week who take academic upgrading, personal development, or employment training courses through a consortium agreement with NAIT and the Ministries of Justice and Solicitor General, and Advanced Education. “The conference session will be a way of educating those in attendance on First Nations’ culture in Canada and the issues faced by many of the world’s Indigenous Peoples,” said LaChance.

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November I 2016

[ rants and raves ]

One year in and we’re falling backwards That old mistrust is creeping in. And it all started out so hopeful… a new day, a new relationship, and a bright new enlightenment after the long dark bleak winter of Conservative rule.

But today, we’ve got to call it. The Liberal Party of Canada has duped us. Instead of ‘sunny ways,’ we’re getting a long familiar shadow cast over all our dreams. The bright new day promised by Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is diminished in our eyes. He sure talks fine words, but he’s like every other top dog that Canada has elected. Full of himself and full of promises he can’t, or won’t, keep.

First Nations leaders aren’t ready to give up on him. How could they, really? What are the options for them? But we’ll tell you something that you can take to the bank.

The moment we heard the Justice Minister say the government had no intention of adopting the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous People into law, we knew the jig was up. No new day, no new way; just election sweet nothings that had been blown in our ears. Now the romance is over, like the blush off a rose, one year after Trudeau was swept into power.

Wouldn’t it have been wonderful to finally lift that heavy weight of oppression off of our chests? Wouldn’t it have been wonderful to sit across the table and negotiate our way, on a fair and level playing field, into prosperity and good health for our people?

Of course, we got suckered. We wanted it so much. And to think he even installed as Justice Minister Jody Wilson-Raybould.

She’s a respected First Nations leader who held positions that pushed up strongly against government in the past. That was the icing on the cake for us. Why would Trudeau do that if he wasn’t sincere? Why indeed?

In an article in this paper, Assembly of First Nations National Chief Perry Bellegarde has called into question WilsonRaybould’s commitment to Indigenous rights and issues. That’s a harsh indictment from the chief (with a dollop of some bitter Indian politics on top, we suspect). Still, the

question needs to be put forward. Has the Justice Minister been co-opted?

“How do we partner with [Indigenous people in Cabinet] to make sure that they’re espousing the rights agenda, they’re espousing everything they stood for and worked for all their lives?” the AFN chief is asking. This is her added burden in this role.

After being elected one full year ago, Trudeau and company have accomplished very little for us. They’ve even ignored their own country’s Human Rights Tribunal leaving our children in care without equitable funding, despite orders from the Human Rights Commission to step up and be the country they think it is.

Trudeau, et al, in fact has put many of our territories in harm’s way. The Site C dam approval is a case in point. That Canada, in this day and age, has given the OK to flood wide tracks of traditional territory and displace Aboriginal people for a benefit that won’t come for many decades, is stunning.

It’s regressive, and it’s hypocritical, and the antithesis of what we were promised.

And the PM is not done. There is more disappointment and regret for us coming down the pipeline.

Just a few years from now when we’re still waiting for the benefits to flow from this nation-to-nothing relationship we have, Trudeau and his ilk will be around to us again, kissing our babies and pressing our palms.

Fool us once, shame on them. But fool us twice… well, then we just have it coming.

Besides, we have other options than dropping a ballot in a voting booth once every four years to get the attention we deserve. We used the voting tool last year, but soon it may come time for us to employ others.

We’re so inspired by the resistance shown the North Dakota Access Pipeline.

The courage, the bravery that people have shown makes us proud.

Making things uncomfortable for government, corporations, and Canadians, and making it difficult to get things done can again be a tried and true method of our peoples.

Windspeaker

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November I 2016

What’s hanging up MMIW inquiry commission?

By Shari Narine Windspeaker Contributor

OTTAWA After two months of silence, Indigenous organizations are reaching out to the commission for the national inquiry into murdered and missing Indigenous women and girls and offering their support to get the ball rolling.

“It is frustrating when you have families coming to you, especially at the vigil, and they’re wanting answers now and there are no answers I can give right now because I know as much as they know, which is nothing,” said Francyne Joe, interim president for the Native Women’s Association of Canada. The Sisters in Spirit vigil was held throughout the country on Oct. 4.

In early August, the federal government announced that BC judge Marion Buller would head the five-member commission that would lead the national inquiry. Terms of reference were also announced then. But since that time, the commission has been quiet.

Disturbingly so, said Cheryl Casimer, political executive with the First Nations Summit, which is a BC member of the Coalition on Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls.

“We’re wondering, has the commission run into some obstacles?” said Casimer, adding perhaps the commission has not yet received its funding.

“They really need to step up on that communications end of it so we know what’s happening because right now we have no idea.”

“There seems like there’s this code of silence happening right now and it’s troubling,” added Joy. She says Michele Audet, one of the commissioners for the inquiry and former president of NWAC, attended NWAC’s annual general assembly in September and while she “didn’t have many answers for us,” she did take concerns from the delegates back to the commission.

Earlier this week, the Assembly of First Nations sent an open letter to the three ministers – Justice Minister Jody WilsonRaybould, Status of Women Minister Patty Hajdu, and Indigenous Affairs Minister Carolyn Bennett – who led the pre-inquiry, and to Buller addressing the lack of communication.

“The intention of this letter is to try to get things started,” said AFN National Chief Perry Bellegarde. “The family members need to know what’s going on. They need to be involved.”

Bellegarde is concerned that the two years targeted for the inquiry are slipping away and nothing has been accomplished.

Along with pushing for open communication, the coalition has also drawn attention again to the terms of reference, the scope of which does not include the actions of the national, provincial or local police forces.

“I don’t know why given that it was raised numerous times, especially in the groups that the federal ministers met with when they were in the process of shaping the federal inquiry,” said Casimer.

The terms of reference, in part, authorize the commission “to adopt any procedures that they consider expedient for the proper conduct of the inquiry, to sit at the times and in the places, especially in Indigenous communities in Canada, that the Commissioners consider appropriate…” and police conduct could be included.

“It’s incumbent upon the five commissioners to really push so the justice system, the policing systems that were involved, are reviewed as part of this work,” said Bellegarde.

“I think if enough pressure is put on to them to direct them to include the police, then you know, it’s possible,” said Casimer.

She says she won’t look at the defective terms of reference as a precursor to a national inquiry that holds no teeth.

“I really can’t give up hope just yet,” she said.

Instead, says Casimer, the coalition, has offered to assist the commission.

“I would much rather (the commission) let myself and Native Women’s Association of Canada know what’s going on in case they need our help,” said Joy. “If Marion Buller needs some advice … whatever they need, we will do our best to help them.”

“This inquiry is important. It’s part of healing, it’s part of giving the families a voice,” said Bellegarde.

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[ news ]

Indigenous law inspires artists for the Testify Project

PHOTOS: ANDREA SMITH

Works on display now for the Testify Project.

Corrine Hunt standis in front of her Big House display.

By Andrea Smith Windspeaker Contributor

VANCOUVER

Ardith Walkem had a vision.

After working in law with Indigenous people for nearly 20 years, she realized there was something missing.

Within mainstream Canadian law, she noticed there was a distinct lack of consideration for Indigenous law and the contributions it could make to the current legal system.

Walkem is realizing her vision this week in Vancouver with the launch of the Testify Project, a series of art installations and written works by artists in collaboration with legal thinkers.

Together, they share their insight about meaningful, but forgotten, pieces of Indigenous law.

“It has an entirely different history. It comes from an entirely different culture that tends to be more relational, that looks at how we’re related, how we interact with each other,” said Walkem.

Page [6]

“Usually when we talk about law in Canada, it’s not that we dismiss Indigenous law, but we don’t even think about it at all,” she said.

The project kicked off with an opening reception Oct. 13, then it’s followed by a week of art on display, and a weekend series of seminars, talks, and performances, as well as round table discussions.

“It’s about laws arriving within Indigenous Nations and finding ways to express those. Some of the writing is about land. Some of it is about people. There are laws for respecting women, and laws for caring for children,” said Walkem.

“What makes it different is it’s entirely not within Canadian law. We’re trying to look within Indigenous traditions,” she said.

Walkem collaborated with Corrine Hunt, known for her West Coast inspired fine jewellery designs. Together, they chose the topic of “hope,” inspired mostly by Walkem’s own feelings on the subject.

“We’re asking, ‘If we were implanting Indigenous laws

Ardith Walkem and Pamela Shields of the organizing committee.

about hope, and if we truly believed we had a future, how would we treat differently areas like child welfare… How would we as Indigenous people treat law differently if we knew we had a future?’” she said.

Hunt’s contribution is a skillfully crafted Big House, with designs and stories both inside and out. Part of it has been inspired by her west coast culture, and other aspects share beliefs she’s come to later in life, such as Buddhism. The story of hope for her comes from one particular experience she had during a ceremony just after her mother passed away.

“In our culture on the west coast we have a mourning song, and when they were singing the song I was standing there on the Earth and the fire was burning… and I just understood the relationship to me and the Earth… and with my mother who would never be lost,” said Hunt. “It was very comforting,” she added.

Hunt realized in that moment there was a deep interconnectedness between all

things, something she says Indigenous law can highlight.

Along with the stories and pictures strategically placed on her Big House, she has also crafted a cedar fire which will blow smoke during her performance session Saturday, Oct. 15, symbolic of her mother’s spirit being released.

“One of the things that’s most important to me is hope. You know this idea that we have to present in order to go forwardÖ you have to believe that starting from where you are there is a good place to go,” she said.

Halie Bruce has been practicing law in the area of child welfare for years. She’s well aware of the issues that come up when a child is taken from their home in an Indigenous community, and removed from all family, friends, and cultural connections.

Her written piece for the show involves her insight into the damage this can cause to a child, and she speaks from experience because she’s been that child herself.

“I call it voting with my feet…

I ran away from foster homes and would run to my grandmother’s or would try to find my mother,” said Bruce.

“They finally just let my grandma take me to our home community and I ended up living there with some family.

Through that I was finally able to have that sense of identity that only culture can bring,” she said.

Bruce feels the Testify Project is really a step toward reconciliation in Canada. She believes it can help with the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s call for better education on Indigenous issues in Canadian schools, because the plan is for it to travel beyond Vancouver, into Victoria and Kamloops, then to universities in Ontario and Quebec.

“It’s a work in progressÖ All the work is going to be in different stages and it’s going to be very fluid. It’ll invite people to participate in that discussion and continue the process and invite new pairs for new talks,” she said.

For more information visit: http://www.testifyindigenous.ca/

November I 2016

[ news ]

Standing Rock: ‘We’re not gonna be silent anymore’

Singers at solidarity fundraising event for Standing Rock. Toronto, October 8.

PHOTOS: BARB NAHWEGAHBOW

Staff: Runners from Standing Rock, Terrell Ironschell, pipe carrier (l) Wilma Steele, Terrell Ironschell and Montgomery Brown, runners from Standing Rock. and Montgomery Brown, eagle staff carrier in Toronto

By Barb Nahwegahbow Windspeaker Contributor

TORONTO

“I made a vow to protect the land and to protect the water, but most of all, I would protect my children and that’s what I’m doing,” said Wilma Steele of Standing Rock Nation. She has four children ages 9, 5, 3 and 2 years old.

“They’re my motivation,” she said. “They’re my strength to keep me going. When I look at them, I tell myself, ‘I gotta fight harder against this pipeline’.”

The planned Dakota Access Pipeline would go through the Standing Rock territory and would carry crude oil through four states—North and South Dakota, Iowa and Illinois, putting land and major waterways at risk. The proposed route crosses the Missouri River, the longest river in the United States.

Twenty-six-year-old Steele was in Toronto on Oct. 8 to create awareness and to generate support for the Standing Rock Sioux who are standing against the Dakota Access Pipeline. She was travelling with two other young people from the Oceti Sakowin Camp at Cannon Ball, North Dakota. Montgomery

November I 2016

Brown, also from Standing Rock, and Terrell Ironschell, Oglala Lakota from Pine Ridge area joined her.

Brown and Steele were two of the 40 youth who ran from Cannonball, North Dakota to Washington, DC for a period of three weeks in August and September. It was on that run that Steele made her vow.

“We are water and land protectors,” Steele said. “We are protecting what is ours and what is sacred. Water is our first medicine. We were in the womb for nine months. There’s no way we can survive without water. I get emotional because I’m talking about my children, what could happen to them and their future. I don’t want them to be standing in line for water when they get older.”

Steele, Brown and Ironschell were accompanied by Terrylynn Brant and Wes Elliott who were appointed by the Haudenosaunee Confederacy of Six Nations to escort them. “We are the people that will escort them into the territory and be responsible for them while they’re here in our communities in our territories,” Brant said.

“We are charged with them, making sure they get to attend the ceremony and follow the proper protocol.”

Brant said that there was a strong historical alliance between the Haudenosaunee and all the Sioux Nations.

“Sometimes, we need to renew those relationships,” she said.

“We have connections that are sacred to us and important to us and we keep those things alive and remind ourselves as if it was just made yesterday. And it might have been 200 years ago. We have certain people within our Confederacy that have the responsibility of remembering those things. So when they come back to visit with us and talk with us, those nations, the first thing we do is go back in history and say,’remember the last time you were here? This is where we were and this is what we agreed to and this is what was on our minds’.”

“We don’t forget any of the agreements we had with any of the other nations on Turtle Island,” Brant said. Sometimes, she continued, “you have to work very quickly in our territories because of the matter at hand.”

Steele issued an invitation to people to go to the camp and “come stand and support us.

When it all started,” she said, “there was 7,000 people and we were like the 13 th largest population in North Dakota.

We weren’t called a camp anymore. We were called a

community. It’s amazing to see all these nations come together,” she said.

“Some of these nations have been fighting for hundreds of years,” Steele said, “and to have them come to our territory and say, ‘we’re gonna stand with you and we are going to fight with you’ is one of the best feelings ever. It brings so much emotion and the camp is amazing. You can feel the positive energy. You can feel the spirits. It’s very spiritual there.”

The camp is making history, she said and “years down the road, we can tell our children we helped stop this pipeline.” A leak in the pipeline can eventually end up in the Gulf, she said, and would affect 18 million people.

“This isn’t a Native American issue. This is everybody’s issue,” Steele said. “Everybody needs to come together as a unit and we need to fight this pipeline. We need to tell them, we don’t stand for this. We’re not gonna be silent anymore’.”

About 200 people had crowded into Beit Zatoun in Toronto to meet the young people and to raise funds to help them winterize the camp. Local community organizer Carrie Lester, the Haudenosaunee Nation and other volunteers pulled the evening together in

five days.

Local entertainers donated their time and talents, and artists and community members donated many items, including paintings, jewellery, T-shirts, posters and massage treatments for the silent auction. The evening generated more than $3,500 for Standing Rock.

Terrylynn Brant said the message carried by the young people was very well received by the Toronto crowd. She had advice for people who are considering a visit to Sacred Stones Camp.

“Why are you in there? What is your back-up plan in case of emergency? Before you go and do something; make sure you have permission. Have you thought about it? Are you in a position to be arrested? What you do as a young person could affect you for the rest of your life.”

The Standing Rock Sioux suffered a setback on Monday, Oct. 10. NBC News reported the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit rejected the tribe’s request for a permanent injunction to block the $3.7 billion, 1,170-mile pipeline. Standing Rock Tribal Chairman Dave Archambault II reportedly said they are not done with the fight.

Page [7]

[ news ]

Guardianship programs $500 million investment in reconciliation, say leaders

By Shari Narine Windspeaker Contributor

OTTAWA

The Indigenous Leadership Initiative is pushing Prime Minister Justin Trudeau to put reconciliation into action by committing $500 million over five years to create a national network of guardian programs.

The money would come on top of the $8.4 billion committed to Indigenous peoples over the next five years in the first budget delivered by the Liberal government.

While there is “no indication” the government will commit to the funding immediately, said Michael Mcleod, MP for the Northwest Territories, further investments are needed, particularly in the north.

He said previous dollars announced by his government focus on the on-reserve populations.

“We are having discussions on many fronts, on many issues,

and this is part of it,” he said, adding that the Liberals needs to invest further funding into the 94 calls to action set out by the Truth and Reconciliation Commission and the Aboriginal Urban Strategy program. The guardian program could fall under that umbrella.

Mcleod joined representatives of the ILI in a news conference Oct. 3 in Ottawa announcing the desire to create a national Indigenous guardians network.

The network would include the existing 30 guardian programs, which combine the strengths of their own systems of governance, cultures and knowledge with western science to protect and monitor the land and water.

“A national Indigenous guardians’ initiative would expand and unleash the full potential of this model in as many as 200 communities across Canada over the next five years,” said Miles Richardson, ILI senior advisor.

The first guardian program in Canada began in Richardson’s

territory of Haida Gwaii in the 1970s.

“Today the Haida Gwaii watchmen play a critical role in protecting our Nation’s lands and waters according to our traditional and contemporary constitutional laws that our Nation has put in place,” said Richardson. “The Haida watchmen have had a profound impact on our community, socially, culturally and economically.”

The guardian program reconnects youth to the land and to Elders. It teaches them their language and who they are, said Dahti Tsetso, resource management coordinator with the Dehcho First Nation.

But right now, Dehcho K’ehodi Stewardship Program, which operates in Fort Simpson, is reliant on project funding from non-governmental agencies, she said.

“These programs are meaningful and they’re valuable and, in my opinion, it’s an answer to the question that the

government is trying to answer on reconciliation: how do we do reconciliation with Indigenous communities, how do we right the wrongs we’ve done in the past?” said Tsetso.

ValÈrie Courtois, ILI director, said the $500 million budget proposed by her organization includes salary and training in both science and Elder traditional knowledge, for guardians, as well as equipment.

She said the money would flow with $26 million in the first year, $55 million in the second year, and $93 million in the third year. The bulk of the funding would come through in years four and five with $141 million and $183 million, respectively.

However, Courtois stressed that the budget was only a starting point for discussion.

“We’ve been doing this with the eye of partnership development. This is a real opportunity where we don’t want to say, ‘Look, this is what we need and it’s all or nothing.’

We’re saying, ‘This is an idea of

how we want to work together, here’s what it’s going to cost to do it, but work with us in developing how that happens,’” said Courtois.

This is an Indigenous-driven initiative, said Stephen Kakfwi, ILI senior advisor.

“We cannot spend our whole lives just responding to initiatives from governments, from Indian Affairs. That’s what we’re trying to get away from,” he said.

Indigenous community leaders from across the country are meeting in Ottawa this week to discuss moving forward on the guardians program. ILI is asking for a government commitment to the program in its 2017 budget.

The Assembly of First Nations passed a resolution at its Special Chiefs Assembly in December 2015 to “fully support the concept of Indigenous guardian programs to support First Nations land management and oversight in their territories based on a cultural responsibility for the land.”

First Nations try to find the balance with oil and gas growth

By Shari Narine Windspeaker Contributor

OTTAWA First Nations in Canada are polarized when it comes to oil and gas development.

“You have to respect the inherent right to selfdetermination… That right to self-determination that Indigenous people have is the right to say yes and the right to say no,” said National Chief Perry Bellegarde of the Assembly of First Nations.

First Nations have been vocal on both ends of the spectrum.

In late September, more than 50 First Nations—including some from the northern United States —signed the†Treaty Alliance against Tar Sands Expansion to block Energy East, along with Kinder Morgan’s Trans Mountain pipeline†to the West Coast, Enbridge’s Line 3 replacement and the ill-fated Keystone XL project.

The pact has brought together First Nations from British Columbia all the way across the country to Quebec.

But there are First Nations’ proponents for pipeline development. The Indian Resource Council (IRC), which

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was initially formed with the mandate of being a watchdog organization over oil and gas companies, now represents and advocates for First Nations oil and gas producers.

A report commissioned by IRC earlier this year looking at First Nations involvement in the energy sector in western Canada, points out that “dozens of First Nations communities have signed agreements with pipeline firms.”

Along with these agreements, there are other First Nations— Onion Lake, Frog Lake and Fort McKay—that operate bandowned oil and gas companies.

“First Nations have moved from the periphery to the centre of natural resource development in Canada and have, in addition, emerged as major players in the national debate about approval processes related to pipeline construction,” states the report.

“Major players” means playing a role on both sides of the debate, a fact the report acknowledges.

“On the one hand, the natural resource sector is the largest employer of highly-paid First Nations workers in the country… (but) at the same time, pipelines and the complexities of petroleum exploration and development have created numerous flashpoints and

Perry Bellegarde, National Chief of the AFN. conflicts between Aboriginal communities, companies and governments.”

Bellegarde says there are First Nations, who need to see pipeline development in order to get their oil and gas to market, and there are First Nation who fear that a ruptured pipeline will damage the land and water irreparably.

Although the AFN is not a rights or title holder, Bellegarde believes the organization can play a key role in bringing about “respectful” understanding between the two opposing sides.

“We can facilitate and bring together the differing opinions amongst our chiefs and try to

seek common ground and find common space so that things are done in a respectful way,” he said.

Bellegarde says that economy and environment must be held in balance.

“We want to be part of the economy, we want to create wealth, we want to create employment for our people, but at the same time, we’ve got to be balanced. We want to see development, but at what cost?

Not at any cost. We want to make sure that there’s long-term sustainable economic development strategies so the land and water is protected, that our environmental footprint is not 10 miles wide, that there is that respect that is there,” he said.

The answer could lie in green energy development, Bellegarde said.

Bellegarde was one of several Indigenous leaders and proponents to accompany the federal government to Paris late last year for the United Nations climate change conference. The result of the conference was a global agreement reducing carbon emissions and greenhouse gases.

“So we’ve got to start transitioning away from dependency on fossil fuels to start looking at alternatives for clean

energy. And that’s got to be part of the plan and the solution going forward. That’s what we see happening. And a lot of our First Nations are starting to embrace that across Canada,” said Bellegarde.

Henvey Inlet Wind, in Ontario, has partnered with Pattern Energy, a private company, to build a 300megawatt wind farm on Henvey Inlet First Nation. Construction on a transmission line to get wind power to the Ontario grid is to begin this winter. The wind power project is expected to bring significant revenue to the First Nation.

In Alberta, solar energy is taking off, with solar panels going up on a variety of buildings located on First Nations lands.

Louis Bull Tribe Councillor Desmond Bull says the solar panels on four public buildings on his First Nation have the potential of saving the band $7,500 annually, money that can be put toward other muchneeded services and programs.

“Creating less dependency on fossil fuels is the ultimate goal because there’s only one world, the water and the air we all need to be clean, to drink so we’ve got to start transitioning away from that demand,” said Bellegarde.

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[ news ]

Queen’s Canopy agreement fails to protect First Nations territory, says chief

By Shari Narine Windspeaker Contributor

DZAWADA’ENUXW NATION, B.C.

Dzawada’enuxw Nation Chief Willie Moon is giving notice to all logging companies and tourism agencies: deal directly with his First Nation and don’t cite the Great Bear Rainforest Agreement as a talking point.

As far as Moon is concerned, Dzawada’enuxw traditional territory in the Great Bear Rainforest is not part of the Queen’s Commonwealth Canopy. The canopy was endorsed when the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge visited B.C.’s central coast during their recent Canadian tour.

The Dzawada’enuxw Nation is one of two First Nations to not have signed the Great Bear Rainforest Agreement. Moon says Musgamagw Tsawataineuk Tribal Council pulled out of the negotiations early on and Dzawada’enuxw Nation didn’t continue on its own.

The Great Bear Rainforest Agreement does not provide Dzawada’enuxw traditional territory with enough protection, says Moon.

The agreement establishes protected areas and ecosystembased management operating areas. Just over 2-million hectares in the north and central coast – one-third of the region – is protected from logging in newly-created conservancies, parks and biodiversity areas.

“From what I hear it’s very limited (protection) because high up in the mountainsides here we’ve got a lot of old growth timber. That’s what they’re looking for,” he said.

“When I saw a map of the Great Bear Rainforest we only had two or three small conservancies.”

Aside from lack of protection, Moon contends lack of consultation on the part of the province. He said a visit by Forestry Minister Steve Thomson to his village was a discussion meeting only.

“I told him, ‘This is not consultation.

This is information sharing right now until we get caught up with what’s going on’,” said Moon.

Later, he says, Thomson claimed that the government had consulted with Dzawada’enuxw Nation.

“We haven’t given consent to this whole process of the Great Bear Rainforest,” said Moon.

And because of that, logging companies will be dealing directly with Dzawada’enuxw Nation. Moon fully expects

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Duchess and Duke of Cambridge visited B.C.’s central coast during their recent Canadian tour.

industry to respect his First Nation’s position and to not do an end run and go to the government.

“Right now we’re sitting with one of the logging companies and hashing out an agreement.

We’ve gone pretty far with it,” he said.

Moon insists that whatever agreement Dzawada’enuxw Nation works out with the logging company will be better than the protection afforded through the Great Bear Rainforest Agreement.

Twenty years ago, said Eduardo Sousa, senior forest campaigner with Greenpeace, a single First Nation would not have had the authority to substantially deal with industry nor be able to pull its traditional territory from an agreement.

“Twenty years on, with the Williams case and all the important court cases that have happened, and also Canada signing on to the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Ö those pieces are absolutely critical. So I think the Nation has a stronger case, but I suspect, just like Site C and LNG, it will probably entail going to court. And so they need to be prepared for that,” said Sousa.

“That’s my worry. I can see how that will play out.”

Sousa also believes that even if a First Nation has signed the Great Bear Rainforest Agreement, it can deal with logging companies on its own terms.

“At the end of the day, these agreements were never intended to compromise any treaty or rights and title sorts of matters,” he said.

Sousa believes the Great Bear Rainforest Agreement has given the signatory First Nations a greater say in their territories where it comes to logging and also a greater share in resource revenue.

“So in that sense it’s been really important,” said Sousa.

“It is not a perfect agreement, but it’s something to build on.”

He says the agreement is a “different way” for First Nations to assert their treaty rights in their territories without having to go through the lengthy and costly process of treaty negotiating or a court battle.

Sousa says Greenpeace has supported the government-togovernment process that the Great Bear Rainforest Agreement represented, noting that the agreement is “intended to give greater say, equal if not

more say, to First Nations of how their territories are managed or governed when it comes to … logging.”

Sousa, who has been involved in the process for the past eight years, says Greenpeace, along with ForestEthics and Sierra Club BC, worked with the companies to support the creation and implementation of the agreement.

The recommendations then went to government - provincial government, and the hereditary and elected First Nation governments. The three environmental organizations were also instrumental in pressuring the province to implement the agreement.

“For my perspective that’s been the right process, but I’m a little concerned if all Nations were not properly consulted,” said Sousa He adds that†Dzawada’enuxw Nation†has reached out to Greenpeace and Sousa hopes to meet with Moon soon.

“There’s been some background discussions, but I didn’t know to the degree of their disenchantment because it’s been like texting and email and that sort of thing,” he said.

Moon says he’s open to discussing the agreement with

PHOTO: SUPPLIED

the government.

“But it’s up to them to come back to the table and it has to be meaningful, not just throw me a couple of pebbles. ‘These are for you and your people.’ It doesn’t work that way anymore,” he said.

Moon stresses that only a vote by his members will mean true consultation has taken place.

Twenty-eight First Nations have traditional territory in the Great Bear Rainforest.

According to a BC government news release, 26 signed the agreement. Moon says that along with Dzawada’enuxw Nation, Kwikwasut’inuxw Haxwa’mis First Nation, also part of the Musgamagw Tsawataineuk Tribal Council, did not sign the agreement.

The Great Bear Rainforest Agreements were announced in 2006, and fulfilled in 2016, when 85 per cent of the forests of the region were permanently placed off-limits to industrial logging, and the remainder placed under stringent guidelines for logging.†The Great Bear Rainforest (Forest Management) Act was introduced by the government on March 1, 2016, as a means to legalize protection and enforce the new logging regulations.

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PHOTO: SHARI NARINE

Jim Prentice (left) speaks with AFN National Chief Phil Fontaine on the steps of Parliament while Minister of Indian Affairs and Northern Development in 2007. Prentice held several cabinet poositions with the Conservative government lead by Stephen Harper. Jim Prentice was Premier of Alberta from September 2014 until his government's defeat in the Alberta provincial election in May 2015.

Jim Prentice hailed as moving in the right direction

By Shari Narine Sweetgrass Contributing Editor

ATHABASCA CHIPEWYAN FIRST NATION

Athabasca Chipewyan First Nation Chief Allan Adam is one of many people to recognize former Premier Jim Prentice for his dedicated work.

Prentice, and three others, died when their Cessna Citation business jet crashed last Thursday evening near Kelowna, B.C. They were on their way back to Calgary after a golf trip.

“From a political stand point of view, when Premier Prentice took over in office after (Premier Alison) Redford, one thing he tried to do was engage with First Nations people because he knew how important it was to work with the First Nations of Canada because of his interactions with them while he was the minister of Aboriginal affairs with Canada,” said Adam.

“He started a lot of things,

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especially while being with Indian Affairs,” said Assembly of First Nations Alberta Regional Chief Craig Mackinaw. “There were a lot of things he was trying to get going.”

Prentice served as ministers for Indian affairs and northern development as well as the environment from 2006 to 2010 under Prime Minister Stephen Harper. During that time, Prentice worked on addressing Indian residential schools, which led to Harper’s apology in 2008. He also created the specific claims tribunal.

Prentice was elected premier in September 2014 and took on the portfolio of Aboriginal relations. He was the first premier to do so.

“He knew what it took when it came to the table. His platform as premier of Alberta was that things had to get moving in the direction where we would have to get the consent of the First Nations people. He knew how important it was for Alberta and Canada alike,” said Adam.

In a contribution to The Globe and Mail on Saturday, Redford wrote about Prentice, “Jim had a way of connecting with people that allowed for thoughtful discussion on the issues that he had come to care about: community, First Nations, the environment and the land.…Today, we are faced with the very real economic challenges that impact our lives as a result of climate change and the historic lack of meaningful dialogue with First Nations.”

Among his provincial accomplishments, Prentice became the first sitting premier in nearly two decades to travel to northern Alberta to visit First Nations. In October 2014, he became the first premier to visit the Lubicon Lake Band community of Little Buffalo, helping them launch a land claim. He signed a letter of intent with Fort McKay First Nation Chief Jim Boucher to develop a sub-regional plan to protect traditional territory around Moose Lake.

In a statement released by Metis Nation of Alberta,

President Audrey Poitras called Prentice “very supportive” of the MNA’s mandate, which included his government’s support for the Métis Crossing historical site.

But it wasn’t all roses. The ACFN took legal action against Prentice’s government in January 2015, challenging the newly created Aboriginal Consultation Office which said consultation with ACFN for the TransCanada Pipeline’s Grand Rapids Project was not required. The PC’s 2015 budget included a $1.4 million slash in grants to school boards for Aboriginal students. While collaboratively working with First Nations was on the table, resource revenue sharing was not. And Prentice was not in favour of a national inquiry into murdered and missing Indigenous women and girls.

But despite the battles, Adam says Prentice needs to be lauded for his forward thinking in realizing a strong relationship had to be built with the country’s Indigenous peoples.

“Regardless we couldn’t succeed in the endeavours he wanted to accomplish, you have to give the man credit for trying,” he said.

The PCs were decimated by the NDP in the May 2015 election and Prentice, although having won his CalgaryFoothills seat, resigned as both party leader and MLA immediately.

“If he had won the election things might have changed differently but that wasn’t the outcome and you can’t weigh your options. You could only imagine or think of the positive things that were to come. And he was in the right direction,” said Adam.

In a statement, Premier Rachel Notley said Prentice had “served our province in so many roles for so many years.

He deeply loved Alberta. He worked tirelessly for all of us, in the true spirit of one who is committed to public service. I benefited from his advice, and the Government of Alberta is continuing to pursue many of his initiatives.”

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Montana First Nation ready to share expertise in solar energy

Green Arrow-Akamihk. solar panel installers at Montana First Nation.

By Shari Narine Sweetgrass Contributing Editor

MONTANA FIRST NATION

The Montana First Nation wants to share its solar energy expertise with other First Nations – and other Alberta communities as well.

It’s all part of doing what’s right for Mother Earth, says Chief Darrell Strongman, and supporting action undertaken by the provincial and federal governments.

“We’re excited about the plans we have as we move forward and so on as far as solar is concerned,” said Strongman.

“We are always prepared to share our knowledge and expertise in the area of our solar.”

Strongman says his First Nation has been involved with solar energy since 2010.

The Montana First Nation is home to the largest hybrid solar/renewable energy system on a First Nation in western Canada with a 100kw commercial solar rooftop PV system installed on the band administration building. The water plant has 20 kw solar power installed.

Next on the agenda for solar panels, says Vickie Wetchie, CEO with Green ArrowAkamihk, are the school and daycare.

“We’ve been a very progressive Nation going forward,” said Wetchie.

Green Arrow-Akamihk is Canada’s first Aboriginal renewable energy corporation and is owned by Montana First

November I 2016

Nation. The company has trained Montana First Nation members on solar power installation.

“We have also invited and opened our doors to other Nations to come in on the training program,” said Wetchie. “There’s a lot of capacity that can be built out on the First Nation communities in regards to economic development and training capacity so we’re able to have jobs in our communities and build infrastructure and we’re very pleased to offer our services in consultation and installment and training your members to join the climate change and bring solar to your communities as well as other renewable energy options.”

Wetchie says there has been much interest expressed in what Montana First Nation has accomplished. She says they have been “inundated” with calls, have met with other First Nations around the province and have built partnerships with the federal and provincial governments, other First Nations, Metis settlements and Indigenous organizations.

Louis Bull Tribe turned to Montana First Nation for information on solar panels.

While Louis Bull Tribe went in a different direction — what Councillor Desmond Bull calls “public service driven” and not capital driven — Montana First Nation’s expertise was appreciated.

Solar power is a common means by which many First Nations communities are embracing green energy, says

PHOTO: MYGREENARROW.COM

Bull, as solar power is easier to maintain and easier to install and training can be done within a few months.

“I’m sure the Elders are very proud of us because over the years, even up to this point, the Elders have always told us to protect Mother Earth, do not poison Mother Earth. So we’re doing our part in the area of solar to listen to the Elders, to be very positive and to contribute to the matter as far as solar is concerned,” said Strongman.

Strongman says he would like to see all 150 homes on his First Nation fitted with solar panels. Presently three residences have solar energy, equipped as part of a pilot project.

“We have to keep encouraging our young people and all of us to understand that we have to do our part in terms of a climate and so on,” he said.

Indigenous Minister Richard Feehan, who was in Montana First Nation on Wednesday to announce two renewable energy pilot programs for Indigenous communities and Indigenous organizations, praised Strongman and his First Nation as “a community of leadership.”

Feehan announced his government will provide $2.5 million for First Nations and Metis settlements to undertake renewable energy projects and energy efficiency audits in their communities through the Alberta Indigenous Solar Program and the Alberta Indigenous Community Energy Program.

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Town hall highlights government support for cultural businesses Entrepreneurs of Indigenous, African and Caribbean descent attended the Alberta Jobs Plan Town Hall for Cultural Businesses in Edmonton on Wednesday. Hosted and organized by EdmontonCentre MLA David Shepherd, the town hall was designed to support the growth of small- and mediumsized Indigenous, African and Caribbean businesses.

Shepherd credits the African business community for the idea of the town hall. “They told me they hadn’t felt consulted or included by previous governments and expressed the need to access supports for entrepreneurs in their communities. They want to share in and contribute to the amazing opportunities our province has to offer. This town hall is a first step to help them achieve that,” he said.

Jerome Elijah Strawberry

Arrest warrant issued following home invasion Jerome Elijah Strawberry, 20, is wanted by RCMP following a home invasion. The public is asked not to approach him as he is considered dangerous and may be armed. As a result of an investigation launched on Sept. 11, 2016, Strawberry faces charges of break and enter and commit theft, robbery, mischief, possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose; and disguise with intent. He is described as Aboriginal, 6 feet tall, 160 pounds, brown hair and brown eyes. Strawberry’s whereabouts are unknown but there are indications he may be in the Edmonton area. Anyone with information regarding Strawberry is asked to contact the Rocky Mountain House RCMP at 403-845-2882 or call your local police detachment. If you want to remain anonymous, contact Crime Stoppers by phone at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS).

Home invasion on O’Chiese First Nation Rocky Mountain House RCMP are investigating a home invasion that took place at 4 am. Oct. 11 on the O’Chiese First Nation.

Three unknown males entered a residence with a firearm, stole numerous items and then left. Shortly after, RCMP responded to a report of a male suffering from a gunshot wound. He was air lifted to a hospital in Calgary in critical condition. His condition has been upgraded to stable, with non-life threatening injuries.

An intensive investigation has been initiated into both occurrences and involves the RCMP Rocky Mountain House detachment, Forensic Identification Services, Police Dog Service, and the Emergency Response Team. Rocky Mountain House RCMP are urging the public to provide any information they may have as to the identity of the individuals responsible for committing these acts of violence. Please contact the Rocky Mountain House RCMP at (403) 834-2882 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS),

Wildfire donation centre accepting its final donations The Alberta Wildfire Donation Centre, in Edmonton, will accept donations until Oct. 14. It is scheduled to close its doors Nov. 30. Items most needed by residents in Fort McMurray are winter clothing, such as jackets, sweaters, hats, gloves, and boots. Other additional needed items are bed linens, pillow cases, pillows, and blankets. The donation centre was opened in response to the Fort McMurray wildfire. The Alberta government and the Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo partnered with the Adventist Development and Relief Agency Canada to coordinate the collection and distribution of donations.

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Homeless to be counted in Edmonton October 17, 2016. The Homeless Count is a pointin-time count of Edmonton’s homeless population. It serves to provide a current snapshot of the overall homeless population and the ability to examine how this population changes over time. The results of the count are used by community agencies, researchers and government to estimate the size and demographic characteristics across time of our homeless population in order to inform our ongoing efforts to reduce homelessness. The 2016 Homeless Count will take place over a 24-hour period, starting in the evening of Wednesday, Oct. 19, from 7-10 p.m. and continuing to Thursday, Oct. 20, from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Volunteers are sent out in pairs as enumerators to complete a short survey to everyone they encounter.

Agriculture lender launches food drive Farm Credit Canada has launched Drive Away Hunger, a unique food drive that focuses on reducing hunger in rural Canada. FCC is collecting food and cash donations across Canada until Oct. 14 and the local FCC office in Edmonton has organized collections points in the city as well as Fort Saskatchewan and Stony Plain to help support this year’s campaign. Food will also be collected from many schools in the Edmonton area which helps raise the awareness with youth about hunger in their community. Since 2004, Drive Away Hunger has provided more than 27 million meals. The program brings the agriculture community together to share the food it produces with those who need it most.

Second showing of The Doctrine of Discovery The Doctrine of Discovery: Unmasking the Domination Code will be shown Tuesday at the Stanley A. Milner Library, in downtown Edmonton. Directed

by Sheldon Wolfchild, produced by Steven Newcomb, and narrated by Buffy Sainte-Marie this hour-long film examines the effects of an ancient doctrine traced to Vatican Papal Orders (Bull) issued by Popes in the Fifteenth century, which alleged to grant rights to claim dominion, in perpetuity, over non-Christian lands and their inhabitants.

Hearing for Fort McMurray West transmission line RCMP charge Cadotte Lake man with second degree underway The hearing to determine the route for Fort murder McMurray West, a major new northern Alberta power transmission line, got underway Wednesday. The 500kilovolt line will stretch about 500 kilometres from a facility near the Genesee generating plant to a new substation west of Fort McMurray, supported by 1,100 V-shaped metal towers standing up to 53 metres high.

The Alberta Utilities Commission must approve the plan, including whether to follow the preferred west route roughly due north of Onoway to northeast of Wabasca, or if an option between those two points that’s about 40 kilometres east is better. AUC was told more than 80 per cent of owners along the preferred course have agreed to the right of way, however, hundreds of individuals and members of Métis communities, First Nations, support groups, and companies have filed objections to the $1.5-billion scheme. Alberta PowerLine, a partnership between Calgary-based Atco and Quanta Services of Houston, Tex., was selected in 2014 to design, build, own, operate and finance the project. Fort McMurray West is one of six power projects approved by the former Conservative government as critical infrastructure. The public hearing is expected to last four to six weeks.

PHOTO: HOMEWARD TRUST EDMONTON

Volunteers will count the homeless in Edmonton during a 24-hour period this week.

Timothy Williams, 21, of Cadotte Lake, has been charged with second degree murder in the death of Cadotte Lake resident, DeeDee Williams, 26. Peace River RCMP responded to a call from Cadotte Lake to a residence in the early morning hours of Oct. 3. An autopsy completed at the Edmonton Office of the Chief Medical Examiner Oct. 4 confirmed DeeDee Williams’ death as a homicide. Timothy Williams is remanded in custody and will make his first appearance in Peace River Provincial Court on Oct. 17.

Swann to discuss fentanyl crisis in Calgary town hall Scott Calling Last, a street outreach worker for Alberta Health Services’ Elbow River Healing Lodge, will be among the panelists to discuss solutions for the current opioid crisis in Alberta during a town hall meeting hosted by Calgary-Mountain View MLA Dr. David Swann. The Liberal leader is calling on the Notley government to declare a public health state of emergency. Such a declaration, said Swann, would, in part, require the government to collect and release information vital to addiction experts, doctors, Human

PHOTO: HOUSEOFANANSI.COM/PRODUCTS/THE-OUTSIDE-CIRCLE

The graphic novel was a big winner.

The Outside Circle wins the Burt Award October 17, 2016. The Outside Circle by Patti Laboucane-Benson is the winner of the fourth annual Burt Award for First Nations, Inuit and Métis Literature.

The graphic novel, illustrated by Kelly Mellings, tells the story of two Aboriginal brothers surrounded by poverty, drug abuse, and gang violence, who try to overcome centuries of historic trauma in different ways to bring about positive change in their lives. LaboucaneBenson is a Métis woman and the director of research, training, and communication at Native Counselling Services of Alberta in Edmonton. Winners for the Burt Award were selected by a peer assessment committee administered by the Canada Council for the Arts. Taking second place was The Education of Augie Merasty: A Residential School Memoir. The Burt Award recognizes excellent, engaging and culturally-relevant books in English for young adults that are written, illustrated and/ or translated by First Nations, Inuit and Métis creators.

Services personnel, educators and frontline emergency services. The discussion, Addiction and Mental Health: Closing the gap on Alberta’s Fentanyl and Opioid Crisis, will take place Thursday at Hillhurst Sunnyside Community Association in Calgary. Swann has criticized the province for not releasing figures indicating the number of deaths caused by opioid from 2013 to 2016. In early August, the Alberta Liberals filed a Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy request asking the Justice Ministry to release those figures.

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Funding provides support for wildfire evacuees

By Shari Narine Sweetgrass Contributing Editor

COLD LAKE It’s money better late than never but Cold Lake Friendship Society Executive Director Agnes Gendron admits the funding would have been handy in May or June.

The friendship centre was one of three organizations to each receive $70,000 today from the province through the Alberta Rural Development Network.

Funding was provided to projects in Cold Lake, Anzac and Fort Chipewyan aimed at addressing what Human Services Minister Irfan Sabir

referred to as “the unique challenges of rural homelessness.” The money is intended to help those impacted by the wildfire that spread through the Fort McMurray area in May. “It is a good surprise, because friendship centres in Alberta do a lot of work for the homeless,” said Gendron.

The funding will be used by CLFS to support its Helping Hand project. Established in response to the wildfire, the project assists with accommodations, employment, food and other essentials.

Cold Lake was a popular layover for both people seeking shelter away from the fire that

left neighbourhoods in Fort McMurray uninhabitable, forced close to 88,000 people to flee, and claimed approximately 590,000 acres in Wood Buffalo.

“I’m not sure how many people are still here but they will be coming forward now that they know we have this money,” said Gendron.

She adds that support will be given to both Indigenous and non-Indigenous people.

“A lot of people come through the friendship centre looking for help,” she said.

Funding will help those still displaced by the fire get accommodations in Cold Lake.

With the oilfield operating at less than full capacity, Gendron

says housing is available. She’s not sure how high rent is, though.

She adds that the funding will also be shared with the nearby men’s homeless shelter and Cold Lake’s food bank.

“I know there’s a lot of people using the food bank,” said Gendron.

The Rehoboth Alliance will use its $70,000 in Anzac to provide an intensive six-month program for as many as 10 young people from the community, who were impacted by the wildfire. The program includes counselling and skill development, complemented by a rent subsidy and other supports.

The Mikisew Cree Nation will use its funding to hire a firerelief support liaison worker to help those affected by the wildfire, who reside in or are from Fort Chipewyan.

“Everyone deserves a safe, secure, and affordable place to call home,” said Sabir in a statement.

The funding is part of the province’s commitment to support those affected by the northern Alberta wildfire. It is in addition to the $30.3 million contributed by the province to support wildfire recovery efforts and the almost $100 million distributed for wildfire emergency relief funding.

Poundmakers Lodge opens on-site medical clinic

By Shari Narine Sweetgrass Contributing Editor

STURGEON COUNTY Clients at Poundmakers Lodge Treatment Centres will be able to get their medication without leaving the grounds now that an on-site medical clinic is opening.

“It’s important for our clients to receive easy access to health services,” said Poundmakers’ executive director Brad Cardinal on the decision to open the clinic.

Cardinal says many clients who come to Poundmakers for treatment have not “seen a physician for quite some time” for routine medical appointments, physicals or screenings. Upon a client’s arrival it meant taking the client off-site to a clinic for the necessary medical work and tying up staff for travel and waiting time.

“We wanted to be able to have

clients given this opportunity for much more immediate access to physician services in the right location,” said Cardinal.

Staff also needed to take clients off-site for simple medication, like Midol or Tylenol, which would be over-the-counter medication for anyone else.

Prescriptions are needed for those being treated at Poundmakers, says day nurse Kate Nicholl.

Now, physicians can leaving standing orders to allow nurses to distribute medication to clients when the physicians are not there.

Now, clients won’t have to leave the grounds. With 60 beds in the lodge, client numbers hit anywhere from 45 to 55 at any given time.

Two physicians will provide medical services two half days at the onsite clinic. Clients will be able to get yearly physicals; medical evaluations; mobile laboratory services for blood; diabetes and hypertension

screenings; prenatal care; mammography; and specialty care referrals to cardiac labs and pin management clinics.

“As we build up a little bit, and as our clients get more used to it, and as the need increases where we’re having to utilize the services of the physicians more, then we’ll look at going to full days, one full day or two full days,” said Nicholl.

The new clinic, located in Poundmakers’ main building, will consist of three rooms: exam, medication room, which allows for private space for physician consultation with patients, and dedicated office space.

“Clients are encouraged by it, they are excited by it. They don’t want to take time from their treatment and programming to have to go and attend some of these medical appointments and now that we have the opportunity to have our physicians onsite, it’s going to be lot easier, a lot less

wait time for our clients,” said Nicholl.

The new clinic has been established in partnership with Alberta Health Services, says Cardinal, with funding for the physicians covered through a rural access to physicians program.

“Poundmakers has a very long history of taking the lead in terms of being able to provide good service to Aboriginal populations. I think that we’ve always been a leader in abl addictions and abl helth and we take our work very seriously and I think anytime we can offer additional service to our clientele it becomes a win-win situation,” said Cardinal.

He adds that Poundmakers is looking at further service expansion which would entail opening detox beds. Often times, those who come to Poundmakers seeking help have not met the 72hour substance-free policy so

need to be referred to Alberta Health Service’s detox facility in downtown Edmonton. But because the facility is often full, Cardinal says Poundmakers ends up taking clients to medi-centres or hospitals so clients can have their detox managed.

“We will do whatever we can to hang on to that client because we certainly don’t want to lose them to addictions,” said Cardinal.

Poundmakers was originally built with room for 100 beds with the intention that it would serve as the largest Aboriginal addiction mental health facility in western Canada.

The discussion for adding detox beds is still internal, Cardinal says, but hopes if Poundmakers goes ahead with the plan, the beds will open in the spring of 2017.

The new clinic at Poundmakers celebrates its grand opening on Friday.

Siksika enters public investment-realm with hotels

By Shari Narine Sweetgrass Contributing Editor

SIKSIKA NATION Siksika Nation is taking $28 million equity from its $123 million Castle Mountain land claim settlement and investing in a big way.

“Siksika Nation itself is in the position to start investing,” said Shane Breaker, general manager, retail and construction development services with Siksika Resource Developments Ltd. “Siksika needs to get on the map for major investment, commercial, real estate, any other ventures out there.”

In 2017, Siksika Nation will be co-owners of two hotels and

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conference centres that will be branded under the First Nation’s name and boast Blackfoot culture.

“We felt that a hotel (investment) would be one that our people would accept and something really long term,” said Breaker.

Talks began this past April between Siksika Resource Developments Ltd. and PAL Hospitality Ltd. Vancouver-based PAL has been investing in hotels for a number of years and had already begun construction of hotels in Calgary and Edmonton.

Ongoing talks resulted in SRDL and PAL creating a 50-50 joint venture partnership for the two Starwood franchise hotels, which will open in 2017.

“It’s the first major investment for Siksika Nation in a public setting,” said Breaker.

For that reason, he adds, Siksika decided to be prudent.

“We wanted to partner with PAL because they know the hospitality business. They’ve been doing this for many, many years and they know how to invest,” said Breaker. “They’re definitely a great group to work with. They’re very flexible and very patient in dealing with First Nation investment opportunities.”

Breakers notes that Siksika Nation is PAL’s first partnership with a First Nation.

“This partnership may just grow and we may look at other investment opportunities in

different locations, outside of Alberta,” he said.

The Westin Calgary Airport Hotel and Conference Centre, located next to the Calgary International Airport, is scheduled to open in the summer of 2017. It will be a 225,000square foot full service hotel with 250 guest rooms, five floors, with a modern 40,000-square foot conference centre.

In September 2017, the Four Points & Element Hotel and Conference Centre West Edmonton will open. While construction on the 137,568square foot full service hybrid hotel with 221 guest rooms and four floors is underway, the modern 40,000-square foot conference centre adjacent to the

property will begin construction within the next six months. The hotel and conference centre will be located on 100 Avenue between the Anthony Henday Drive and 184 Street in west Edmonton.

“These two locations are ideal for us,” said Breaker.

The Calgary and Edmonton locations will allow Chief and Council to host Aboriginal provincial, national and international major events and conferences at Siksika-owned facilities and will provide Siksika Nation members with discounted accommodation rates in the two cities. The locations could also play host to non-Indigenous events.

Continued on page 15.

November I 2016

Great Bear Rainforest, Heiltsuk economy under threat On Oct. 13, a tug boat carrying nearly 200,000 litres of diesel ran aground, sinking in Seaforth Channel near the Heiltsuk community of Bella Bella.

Leaking fuel continues to threaten the pristine environment in the Great Bear Rainforest.

The Heiltsuk have confirmed that the spill poses a threat to dozens of species, including manila clam beds which are critical to the Heiltsuk economy, providing up to $150,000 per year for the community.

The tug boat, called the Nathan E. Stewart, was pulling an empty fuel barge from Alaska.

“We are absolutely outraged that the beautiful waters in Heiltsuk territory are currently covered in a sheen of diesel fuel, when the spill could have been avoided completely,” said Grand Chief Stewart Phillip, president of the Union of BC Indian Chiefs.

“We are also extremely aware that if the fuel barge was full, we would currently be dealing with an environmental disaster of massive scale.

When Prime Minister [Justin] Trudeau was elected, he committed to implement a north coast oil tanker moratorium. We are joining the Heiltuk call to demand that the federal government immediately legislate a complete ban on north coast oil tanker traffic,” Phillip said.

The Heiltsuk are also calling for improved spill response.

“It is unacceptable that the first responding vessels from the Canadian Coast Guard were not equipped to deal with a spill, and that the Heiltsuk had to provide their own equipment because of the insufficiency of the equipment provided by the responders. The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and Premier Christy Clark flew over these waters to visit the Heiltsuk only two weeks ago. Where are they now and how will they help protect this pristine territory?”

Trudeau fails to live up to his responsibility to TRC actions The Indigenous Bar Association says it’s disappointed with Prime Minister Justin Trudeau for his failure to appoint an Indigenous candidate to the Supreme Court of Canada.

With a promise to work with Indigenous peoples on a nation-to-nation basis, Trudeau missed an opportunity to do something important and meaningful to live up to his much touted “new approach, both to Indigenous/government relations, and for making appointments to the Court that are more accessible and fair.

“Further, given the Atlantic Provinces’ ongoing refusal to appoint Indigenous people to the very bench from which the nominee was drawn, suggests Trudeau is offering a reward for exclusion and the court continues to look precisely how it has for decades.”

Canada announced in early August the creation of an independent non-partisan advisory board to submit a short list of names for consideration by the Prime Minister to nominate to the SCOC. The Independent Advisory Board was mandated to recommend qualified, functionally bilingual candidates who reflect a diversity of backgrounds and experiences for appointment to the top court. Theere are a number of qualified Indigenous candidates, reads a press release from the association.

The result is that on Oct. 18, 2016, Justice Malcolm Rowe of Newfoundland, is the Liberal nominee.

The IBA congratulates Mr. Justice Rowe on his nomination and recognizes it is an historic and positive decision for Atlantic Canadians.

Yet, “the ongoing exclusion of Indigenous Justices on the Supreme Court, which is being met with a shrugging of the shoulders… demonstrates a lack of commitment on the part of the government to diversity and to transforming Canada’s legal system as part of the reconciliation process,” said Koren Lightning-Earle, IBA president.

In its final report, the Truth & Reconciliation Commission called for the transformation of Canada’s legal system through greater inclusion of Indigenous peoples: A commitment to truth and reconciliation demands that Canada’s legal system be transformed. It must ensure that Aboriginal peoples have greater ownership of, participation in, and access to its central driving forces. Canada’s constitution must become truly a constitution for all of Canada. Aboriginal peoples need to become the law’s architects and interpreters... (Vol. 6, p. 51) The Indigenous Bar Association and Canada have publicly endorsed the findings of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission and committed to the implementation of all “calls to action”. While the IBA continues to seek implementation of the TRC’s work, Canada continues to stall and maintain the status quo.

Siksika enters public investment-realm Continued from page 12. explore the possibility with the “Over the years I’ve known our leadership, they’ve always wanted to have an investment in a hotel in a major city,” said Breaker.

But investment goes beyond bricks and mortar. The hotels will allow Siksika members to build careers in the hospitality industry, hotel maintenance, and event planning, among other jobs. Breaker says they’ll

November I 2016

Siksika Nation employment and training department to recruit membership into the industry.

Membership is pleased to see the new direction the Nation is taking, says Breaker.

“Siksika is finally invested in something big and really investing into the future and future revenues that can be generated from this venture back to Siksika,” he said.

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[ sports ]

NHL’s Bryan Trottier will join sports’ brightest stars in Hall of Fame

By Sam Laskaris Windspeaker Contributor

CALGARY

The Aboriginal content at Canada’s Sports Hall of Fame will soon be expanding. That’s because former National Hockey League star Bryan Trottier is one of seven individuals who will be inducted this year into the hall based in Calgary.

Trottier, who has Métis, Cree and Chippewa ancestry, is a seven-time winner of the Stanley Cup. He won six championships as a player and one as a coach.

Though the national hall of fame is in Calgary, induction ceremonies this year will be staged on Nov. 1 in Toronto.

This marks the 61st year the hall has held induction ceremonies.

Mario Siciliano, the CEO and President of the hall, is thrilled with all of this year’s inductees.

“We are proud to be able to share the stories of the achievements of the Class of 2016 so that we can inspire all Canadians to be the best they can be in all aspects of life,” he said. Trottier, who is from Val Marie, Sask., played 18 seasons in the NHL. He was a key member of the New York Islanders who captured the Stanley Cup four consecutive years, from 1980 to 1983.

Trottier, who is now 60, also played for the Pittsburgh Penguins when they won backto-back league championships in 1991 and ’92.

Trottier earned his seventh Stanley Cup in 2001, while working as an assistant coach with the Colorado Avalanche.

During his pro career Trottier averaged more than a point per outing. He appeared in an even 1,500 regular season and playoff contests, collecting 1,609 points, including 595 goals.

Trottier also was singled out for some of his feats during his career. For example, in 1979 he won the Hart Trophy for being the NHL’s most valuable player, as well as the Art Ross Trophy for racking up 134 points in 76 games and was the league’s top scorer.

Bryan Trottier

PHOTOS: COURTESYCANADA’S SPORTS HALL OF FAME..

Tom Longboat.

Sharon Firth

Trottier was also awarded the Calder Trophy for being the NHL’s top rookie in 1976. And he was presented with the Conn Smythe Trophy in 1980, for being the league’s playoff MVP. Joining Trottier in the hall this year will be football player/coach Michael (Pinball) Clemons, curler Colleen Jones, speed skater Annie Perreault, swimmer

Stephanie Dixon, kayaker/crosscountry skier Sue Holloway and Dr. Frank Hayden, the creator of the Special Olympics.

Trottier will be joining eight other Aboriginal people who have already been inducted into Canada’s Sports Hall of Fame.

The list of this group follows: Tom Longboat—A longdistance runner from Six

Nations in Ontario, Longboat was one of the country’s heroes in the early 20th century. He won numerous amateur and professional races, including the 1907 Boston Marathon. He was inducted into the hall posthumously in 1955, six years after his death.

Alwyn Morris—A Mohawk kayaker from Kahnawake,

Morris teamed up with Hugh Fisher to win two medals at the 1984 Los Angeles Olympics.

The pair captured the gold medal in the K-2 1,000-metre event and added a bronze medal in the K-2 500-metre race.

Morris was inducted in 2000.

Sharon and Shirley Firth— The twin sisters from the Gwich’in First Nation in the Northwest Territories were accomplished cross-country skiers who were inducted last year (Shirley posthumously).

They competed at four Olympics and combined to win a total of 79 medals at national championships.

Harry Manson—A stellar soccer player, who was better known by his First Nations name of Xul-Si-Malt, Manson was inducted into the hall last year. He was regarded as one of the country’s elite soccer players in the late 1800s and early 1900s. He captained the Nanaimo Indian Wanderers in B.C. Alex Decoteau–A stellar runner from Saskatchewan’s Red Pheasant First Nation, Decoteau was also inducted posthumously last year. He died fighting in the First World War at age 29. Decoteau, who also excelled in boxing, cricket, soccer and cycling, won numerous running races throughout western Canada in the early 1900s.

Bill Isaacs—A Six Nations lacrosse star, Isaacs, who died in 1985, was inducted posthumously last year.

He was one of the country’s elite box lacrosse players during the 1930s and ‘40s. He won seven Ontario Lacrosse Association scoring titles and the Mann Cup (Canadian senior men’s title) twice; once with the Hamilton Tigers and Mimico-Brampton Combines.

Joe Keeper—A runner from Manitoba’s Norway House Cree Nation, Keeper competed at the 1912 Stockholm Olympics. He participated in both the men’s 5000-metre and 10,000-metre races, finishing fourth in the latter. Keeper, who died in 1971, was inducted posthumously into the hall last year.

Every single Windspeaker article ever published (well, almost) is now available on our online archives at:

www.ammsa.com The archives are free to search and read.

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November I 2016

[ sports ]

Partners rally for BMX bike park at Enoch

By Sam Laskaris Windspeaker Contributor

ENOCH CREE NATION, Alta.

Thanks in large part to an Edmonton man, BMX bike parks and cross-country ski facilities could soon be popping up in several First Nation communities. Don Patterson, a former lawyer who works for an Edmonton real estate company, was a driving force behind the BMX bike park which recently opened on Alberta’s Enoch Cree Nation.

The First Nation is located on the western outskirts of Edmonton. The BMX bike park, which is approximately the size of a football field, is located adjacent to the community’s arena, the Enoch Recreation Centre. The park’s grand opening, which included a cultural ceremony at the arena, was staged on Sept. 30.

“I think this is a project which can absolutely be copied in other communities,” Patterson said.

“You need a field. You need some dirt. And you need community involvement.”

Already three other First Nation communities in Alberta have expressed an interest in getting their own bike parks built. They are Louis Bull First Nation, Paul Band First Nation and Alexander First Nation.

Because winter is fast approaching and the logistics involved, the earliest a bike park could be built at these First Nations would be next year.

But cross-country ski facilities,

PHOTO: SUPPLIED

BMX bike park, which is approximately the size of a football field, is located adjacent to the community’s arena, the Enoch Recreation Centre.

which could be built quickly with some dedication, could be up and running as early as this winter, including one possibly on the Enoch Cree Nation.

Building the BMX bike park on the Enoch Cree Nation required plenty of dedication from various parties.

Patterson, who is 62, is an avid cyclist himself. Back in 2012 he

pedalled across Canada, from Vancouver to St. John, Nfld., over the course of 28 days.

During his 7,200-kilometre journey, Patterson, who was keen to raise awareness for youth activity, also managed to raise about $30,000 for YMCA programs.

Afterwards he was invited to make a presentation about his

cross-country ride in Edmonton.

Then he was approached by officials from the Alberta Indigenous Games, asking him to be involved with their youth programs.

Since then Patterson, who is not an Aboriginal himself, has taken a keen interest in First Nation sporting activities, even attending the 2014 North American Indigenous Games in Regina.

The idea for building a BMX bike park on the Enoch Cree Nation sprouted from a conversation he had with former Olympic cyclist Alex Stieda last year.

The actual work on the park progressed rather rapidly this year.

“One of the things I loved about it was that the assistant to the chief asked me to write a paragraph of what would be involved with it,” Patterson said.

“I did that and then I was told it was okay, the chief had already signed off on it. The chief and the band was totally onside with it.”

In July of this year a designer was brought in to plan what the park would look like. That same month Patterson teamed up with a grant writer to send an application to Canadian Tire’s Jumpstart charity.

Jumpstart provides sporting equipment to children whose families are not able to afford it.

Soon afterwards the charity provided about 50 bikes and 50 helmets to the Enoch Cree Nation. Then in August the Enoch maintenance office had its staff haul in 100 loads of soft clay.

They spent a few weeks shaping the park with their heavy equipment.

The fact members of the community did a good chunk of the work themselves kept costs to a minimum.

“We had been quoted it would cost about $70,000 to $100,000 to build a park like this,” Patterson said. “Well it certainly helped the dirt was donated by the community through its operations guys. And the labour was taken care of by its operations group.”

Patterson said there’s a simple reason he was keen to see this project come to fruition and why he wants similar ones to be built.

“Over the years, sports benefitted my own children as they were growing up,” he said.

“I strongly believe that every child should have the same opportunity to participate in sports and be physically active.”

Jordan Courtepatte, who is the Enoch Cree Nation’s Youth Director and in charge of recreation in the community, welcomed the bike park.

“I think it’s great,” he said.

“There’s been a lot of kids out who probably wouldn’t have had a chance before to be on a bike park or even ride a bike.”

Courtepatte anticipates the bike park will be a busy place until winter arrives. And he’d love to see a cross-country ski area be built as soon as possible for the community’s youth.

“There’s a great possibility for it this winter,” he said. “We have the space for it and we have the (interested) kids. I can see it being successful.”

Every single Windspeaker article ever published (well, almost) is now available on our online archives at:

www.ammsa.com The archives are free to search and read.

November I 2016

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[ education ]

Author charts a new path with Indigenous Sci-Fi

By Andrea Smith

the Curve Lake First Nation in Ontario, attributes the book’s creative content mostly to the fact that members of the Aboriginal population do not all share one simplified set of experiences.

To him, the people and the culture are as diverse and multifaceted as any other culture, enough so to offer him reference material for at least nine different stories, if not more, he said.

“My hope for this book is that it will open the perceptions of contemporary Native storytelling, and it will demonstrate how very wide our imagination is… And broaden the perspective of what Native literature can be described as containing,” he said.

The official book launch was on Oct. 13 at the Bakka Pheonix Bookstore at 6:30 p.m., with reading dates to follow.

For more information or to order the book, go to: h t t p : / / w w w. d o u g l a s mcintyre.com/book/take-us-toyour-chief

Windspeaker Contributor

What happens when science fiction meets Aboriginal literature? These two genres rarely—if ever—come together.

Drew Hayden Taylor has broken new ground with the release of his book “Take Us to Your Chief.”

“It’s always been my observation that Native literature and theatre is a very specific and narrow path. It’s either a victim narrative, or dealing with something historical, or dealing with the repercussion of what I call postcontact-stress-disorder… so it’s all distressing and dark,” said Taylor on what has traditionally shaped Aboriginal literature.

“I thought ‘Wouldn’t it be interesting if I was able to take stories steeped in science fiction and filter them through an Aboriginal consciousness?’” he said.

Taylor’s book is a compilation of nine stories, written in a matter of months, after he had been harbouring the idea for the book for many years.

Skillfully interweaving classic science fiction narratives, such as time travel and artificial intelligence, with First Nations issues—historical trauma, the preservation of culture, and “the Good and Bad Native” — Taylor ensured the book had appeal to a wide audience, readers 14 to 84.

“Mr. Gizmo is about a teen in his room with a gun contemplating suicide.

Basically, the toy he’s had since he was a kid comes alive and chews him out for doing this.

The story talks about how young people are tomorrow’s Elders, and they’re robbing the future and future generations of the wisdom they would have as they get older,” said Taylor, adding that the greater intention behind many of his stories is to educate people while entertaining them.

One of Taylor’s personal favorites in “Take Us to Your Chief ” is his story about artificial intelligence. In the story, AI is placed into a computer, and the computer then “develops a fondness” for Aboriginal culture.

Taylor also particularly likes “Dreams of Doom,” a story about a major government conspiracy focused on dream catchers.

“There’s a lot of humour in them. Two-thirds of them are funny. Some of them are humorous, and some of them are darkly ironic in a sardonic way… But while these short stories are science fiction in nature, they’re still what I refer

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PHOTO: SUPPLIED

to as stories about Native people and Native communities,” he said.

And, of course, the title of the book has its own significance.

It is one of the short stories, and involves a very familiar narrative—the issue of “first contact.” Ordinarily, in science fiction novels, first contact involves aliens invading the planet Earth.

In Taylor’s book there is a similar scenario, only the aliens are invading a First Nation’s reserve. According to Taylor, the story is likened to the first contact experienced by Aboriginal people at the time that European explorers were first coming to North America.

“The title piece ‘Take us to your Chief ’ is about where aliens land on your reserve, and you’re there to set up diplomatic relations. There are these guys down at the lake drinking beer and through a misunderstanding they set up diplomatic relations with the whole reserve… but not the whole planet,” said Taylor.

Taylor’s title for this story pokes fun at the classic sci-fi quote “Take us to your leader”, used in a number of movies about alien invasions.

“I’m not remaking the wheel, but now I’m exploring the concept of first contact, as say when white people landed here and contacted with the Native people. And I’m having some fun with it,” he said.

Taylor, an Ojibway man from

November I 2016

Joseph Medicine Crow [ footprints ] Historian was last War Chief of his tribe

By Dianne Meili

As a teenager, Joseph Medicine Crow heard eyewitness accounts of the 1876 Battle of the Little Bighorn from his step-grandfather, White Man Runs Him. “He was one of Custer’s favourite scouts,” Herman Viola of the Smithsonian Institute wrote in the preface of “From the Heart of Crow Country”, one of Medicine Crow’s many historical books. White Man Runs Him lived with Joseph in his older years and many nonIndian historians came to listen to his memories of the Little Bighorn.

But the old man eventually stopped talking to them because they didn’t believe some of the things he told them, especially the notion that some of the 7th cavalry drank whiskey before going into battle.

Raised by traditional Crow (Apsaalooke) grandparents who recalled life before being pushed onto reserves in the United States, Medicine Crow grew up on stories his grandfather’s friends told after sitting in the sweatlodge. Many of their stories dealt with war.

The old ones believed First Maker had given them the best place on earth to live – temperate climate, cold lakes and streams, and early on, too many buffalo to count – for a reason. He wished to test their courage by surrounding them with the most fearsome, militant tribes of the lower plains, the Sioux, Cheyenne and Blackfeet, who wanted to take their land, steal their horses, and capture their beautiful women.

The old men’s recollections of enemy attacks helped the young High Bird (Medicine Crow’s Crow name) to understand why his people befriended the white man and served as allies in battles between the U.S. Cavalry and their enemies the Sioux and Cheyenne.

“My grandfather trained me to be a warrior,” Medicine Crow said in a 2013 Indian Country Today news story. As a boy, High Bird grew accustomed to endless walking, sleeping only on the floor with a blanket, jumping into icy water, and snapping to alert attention upon awakening.

He put his military skills to work as a Second World War soldier, interrupting studies for an advanced degree in anthropology.

Unbeknownst to him at the time, four of his daring acts qualified him to become a Crow War Chief, the last of his people to be named as such.

As a scout, he led several successful war parties deep behind enemy lines – red war-

November I 2016

.PHOTO: SUPPLIED

Joseph Medicine Crow

paint under his uniform and a painted eagle feather tucked inside his helmet. He seized explosives, stole German horses; disarmed an enemy; and touched an adversary (counting coup) without killing him.

In one village he collided with a German soldier. Rather than simply shooting him, he threw away his own rifle and wrestled him into submission. Medicine Crow had his hands around the German’s throat and was ready to finish him off when the German gasped, “Momma!” and he let him go out of sympathy Most oft-written about is Medicine Crow’s horse-raiding escapade. Through his field glasses one day in 1945, he noticed SS officers riding horses toward a farmhouse. He decided he would make off with the animals – mounts so respected by his people – before the Americans bombarded the area with artillery.

He tracked the soldiers to a stable and, at first light, crept past the guards to slip a rope halter on the best of the herd of

50, a thoroughbred with a white blaze.

Vaulting on its back, he stampeded the rest out of the barn and over the hills, shouting a victory song in Crow as he rode. “High Bird! High Bird!

You fought the Germans! You great warrior!”

Only back in Montana, according to Adrian Jawort’s account in Indian Country Today, swapping war stories with the Elders, did Medicine Crow realise he had unconsciously performed – by grabbing the explosives, seizing the enemy soldier’s rifle; touching him (instead of killing him), and stealing the horses – the four deeds that established him as a war chief of his people.

At his 100th birthday party in 2013, Medicine Crow told the crowd that Plains Indian warfare was not about killing so much as leadership, honour and intelligence.

He recalled his boyhood in Lodge Grass, Montana, the son of Amy Yellowtail and Leo Medicine Crow, and how the

stories of his people’s war chiefs inspired him. Though he didn’t consider himself an overly intelligent man, Medicine Crow often told his only son, Ronald, that he did have a love for learning, and that penchant had gotten him somewhere in life.

He studied sociology and psychology for his bachelor’s degree, and earned a master’s degree in anthropology from the University of Southern California in 1939, the first member of his Crow tribe to obtain such a height in education.

After his birthday address, tribal members shared stories of how they were inspired by their ‘grandfather’ Medicine Crow to join the military or pursue higher education.

Back in 1948, following his military pursuits, Medicine Crow returned to books and history, and was appointed tribal historian and anthropologist.

He did some work for the Bureau of Indian Affairs in land management, and was a board member or officer on the Crow

Central Education Commission.

His script encapsulating the saga of the Battle of Little Big Horn has been used at the war re-enactment every year in Hardin since 1964.

In 1999, he addressed the United Nations.

He continued to write and lecture at universities and public institutions until his death last April 3 at the age of 102. At least 700 mourners attended his funeral and Montana governor Steve Bullock ordered flags to be flown at half-mast.

Medicine Crow left his extensive collection of writings, cultural lectures and photographs documenting Crow history to the Little Big Horn College Library.

“It’s our most used archival collection by students and community members just because of grandfather’s stature in this area. Everyone knows how well he kept Crow history,” said Tim Bernardis, library director.

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